Arkansas cancels hearing for satanic display at Capitol

This 2014 photo provided by The Satanic Temple shows a bronze Baphomet, which depicts Satan as a goat-headed figure with two children.
This 2014 photo provided by The Satanic Temple shows a bronze Baphomet, which depicts Satan as a goat-headed figure with two children.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas officials have canceled a hearing on a satanic monument proposed near the state Capitol, saying a new law prevents them from considering the display until it's approved by the Legislature.

The secretary of state's office sent a letter Thursday to the Satanic Temple saying a bill signed into law this week prevents the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission from considering the proposed Baphomet statue. A hearing had been scheduled in May for the monument, which was proposed in response to a Ten Commandments display lawmakers authorized in 2015.

The Satanic Temple argued the new law shouldn't apply retroactively to its proposal and said a lawsuit over the decision was "imminent."

Previous law allowed the commission to consider monument proposals and issue recommendations, although none could be built without legislative approval.

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